Little risk, little reward for Ravens with McClain

McClain released a news statement to a number of media outlets Thursday saying that he wants to get everything in place in his non-football life before thinking about going on the field once more.

“Clearly, my decision to retire has raised some questions,” McClain said in a statement. “Quite simply, I love football, but I have decided at this time it is in my best interest to focus on getting my personal life together. Beyond that, I’m not sure what the future holds for me, including football. This was entirely my decision and the Ravens have been very supportive during this process. I am very grateful for the opportunity they gave me and wish them the best of luck in the future. God willing, maybe I’ll play for them one day.”

There’s been a lot of guesses that this is just some sort of a plan or game from the troubled linebacker, who’s run into a lot of problems off the field.

But the statement makes it pretty clear that he realizes there’s things he needs to deal with that have nothing to do with tackles or blocks. McClain’s got to fix things off the field.

Right now, McClain’s set for a July 9 court date after being arrested in Decatur, Ala. (his hometown) and hit with charges of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

If everything works out for McClain, he could probably give the Ravens and the NFL another shot. For now, though, getting rid of all those other problems is going to be what will help the young linebacker.